Devine Scripture

Mark 14:37

What does Mark 14:37 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:37 means

Jesus returns and finds them sleeping, addressing Peter by his old name, Simon: “Couldest thou not watch one hour?” The use of Simon highlights weakness. Their failure to stay awake contrasts with Jesus’ vigilant prayer. The gentle rebuke exposes the gap between intention and ability. Jesus had asked for companionship and watchfulness; He receives slumber. Yet He doesn’t abandon them; He teaches them. This moment reveals that even the best-intentioned disciples need grace and the Spirit’s power. Human resolve, apart from prayerful dependence, collapses under pressure.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest thou not watch one hour?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest thou not watch one hour?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he came, and saw them sleeping, and said to Peter, Simon, are you sleeping? were you not able to keep watch one hour?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith to Peter, `Simon, thou dost sleep! thou wast not able to watch one hour!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he cometh and findeth them sleeping. And he saith to Peter: Simon, sleepest thou? Couldst thou not watch one hour?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he comes and finds them sleeping. And he says to Peter, Simon, dost thou sleep? Hast thou not been able to watch one hour?

Context

After the first prayer, Jesus confronts the disciples’ sleep. This begins a cycle: He exhorts them, prays again, returns to find them sleeping, and repeats once more. The instruction that follows—watch and pray—explains their need and prepares them for the temptation about to descend with the arrest. The narrative contrast between Jesus’ persistence and their drowsiness intensifies the sense of isolation He bears and sets the stage for their scattering when the crowd arrives.

v.36And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; remove this cup from me: howbeit not what I will, but what thou wilt.

v.37This passage

v.38Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 12:3

    For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:6

    so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober.

  • Matthew 25:5

    Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

  • Mark 14:40

    And again he came, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they knew not what to answer him.

  • Matthew 26:40

    And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

  • Jonah 1:6

    So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

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